Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital is a comprehensive medical and surgical acute care facility serving the Brevard County Space Coast in Florida as a trusted healthcare provider since 2002. The 119-bed hospital has all private rooms and is uniquely designed for patient comfort and a positive patient experience. A dedicated team of physicians, nurses, clinicians and medical professionals is committed to delivering the highest level of quality and compassionate care, according to the facility’s website.
The hospital provides a complete scope of care, with advanced technology and expertise in a number of specialties, including cardiovascular care, digestive health, emergency care, orthopedics and surgical services. Recognized for high standards, it has earned full hospital and laboratory accreditation from The Joint Commission. It is the first hospital in Brevard County to receive spine surgery certification for its specialized spine program.
Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital Radiology Director Rich Egan, RT (R), CRA, MS, MBA, plays an important role in delivering quality and compassionate care to patients. His road to a radiology career was a bumpy one – literally.
“I knew I wanted to be a radiology technologist ever since I was 16 years old. I grew up in Chicago and broke my femur in a motorcycle accident,” he shares. “While I was in traction, every couple of days, two female radiology techs came to my room to take follow-up portable X-rays to check on my fractured femur. I found it fascinating and asked them questions each time they came. They always looked like they were having fun even when they crashed the AMX portable into the wall, laughing the entire time. From that point on, I knew I wanted to be a rad tech.”
Now, Rich is the one loving every minute of his imaging job.
“The other day, I realized that I have been a radiology technologist for 40 years and have enjoyed every minute of it,” he says. “I love taking care of patients and my staff. And it’s the only thing I know. Healthcare is always changing and throwing obstacles in your way and it’s fun trying to figure things out.”
Rich has seen lots of changes during his four decades in diagnostic imaging. He sees those changes coming faster and more frequently as technology advances at a rapid pace.
“I would have to say Ai is becoming more and more involved in healthcare, especially radiology. It’s interesting to see the tools they have compared to 5 years ago,” Rich says.
Looking back, Rich shares the impact others have had on his career and professional development.
“When I first started, I was in my student clinical rotation at a hospital in Chicago and attended a staff meeting. The director told the staff that if they or their family ever needed surgery, to use this hospital. The very next week, the director had elective surgery at another hospital,” he says. “From then on in my career, I have always done what I say I’m going to do. You need to be honest with your staff and only then can you build trust.”
“I have had two mentors in my career. The first was when I was a manager and worked for a very knowledgeable imaging director. He taught me how to have fun while being very productive at work,” Rich says. “We had such a great time and worked very well together. I became a director shortly after working with him and use a lot of his wisdom to this day.”
“The next one is who I currently work with and is the president of the hospital. He teaches me every day to take your time when making decisions,” he adds. “I’ve always been a shoot from the hip problem solver, but he teaches me to this day, about thinking of the consequences of your decision.”
Another aspect of Rich’s professional development and career success can be attributed to his involvement with AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management.
“I have been a member of AHRA since 2004 when I received my CRA credential. I also have been on their Membership Committee for the past year and welcome anyone who would like to join AHRA as this is the most beneficial organization that I know,” he adds. “I have made so many lifelong friends that I see at the annual and local meetings.”
Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital patients and co-workers benefit from the fun-loving and dedicated Radiology Director Rich Egan. His dedication to continuing education and career growth benefits his colleagues and the patients who depend on the department for quality care.
In other words, the patients at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital are in good hands.
Rich Egan, RT (R), CRA, MS, MBA, Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital Radiology Director
1. What are you reading currently? I read radiology periodicals, including ICE Magazine to stay in touch with the state-of-the-art equipment that is being offered.
2. Favorite movie? Tie: “Blues Brothers” and “Animal House”
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? Nothing, I’m an open book.
4. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? Work out
5. Best advice you ever received? Have fun with everything you do.
6. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My grandmother who was an English teacher in the 1940s for the blind. She corrected my English on the thank you cards I sent her. She sent them back just like a teacher did
7. What would your superpower be? Invisible Man.
8. What are your hobbies? Golf, fishing, and playing the horses
9. What is your perfect meal? Ribeye and salad.
